Tandag

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Bodyboard
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves
Spot Type
Empty
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Tandag is a sandy, exposed beach-break area on the eastern coast of Mindanao, offering regular surf with both left and right waves. The break is described as fun, with good wave quality, and typical rides are short (under 50 meters). The area is also noted for scattered rocks near the surf break, so approach and take-off/landing zones need extra care. For surfing, conditions are described as best around mid to high tide, and the spot tends to be most user-friendly early in the morning before the Northeast Monsoon winds build and can add chop. It’s also characterized as generally uncrowded, with weekdays reported as empty and weekends as not much busier. Wind conditions align with the Amihan/Northeast Monsoon season: November through March is identified as the main period when winds are suitable for kiteboarding opportunities. Reported winds are typically in the 15–20 knots range with light gusts, and the prevailing directions cluster around NE/ENE, which can create workable side-onshore setups for freeriding along the coast. Water temperatures are warm year-round (late spring/early summer reaching higher values, with January–March in the high-20s °C). Local guidance also emphasizes morning sessions and practical access from the national road, while noting limited parking availability. Overall, Tandag is positioned as a low-profile, community-oriented option compared with more internationally prominent Philippine destinations.

  • Regular beach-break with right and left waves
  • Short, fun rides generally under 50 meters
  • Amihan/Northeast Monsoon supports wind sports November to March
  • Generally uncrowded
Great for
Surfing bodyboardSurfing shortboardKitesurfing freeride
What's great
  • Fun beach break with regular left and right waves
  • Often very low crowding, especially on weekdays
  • Amihan/Northeast Monsoon season supports wind sports from November to March
  • Warm water year-round
Heads up
  • Shallow areas and scattered rocks near the break
  • Surf can become choppy when winds pick up during the monsoon
  • Rescue availability is limited
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE, ENE
Wind Range
15–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season with trade/easterly winds; kitesurfing can work during November to March with side-onshore components.
Reliability
medium
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach with some rocky sections depending on exact positioning.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
27–30 °C
Water Temperature
25–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard / 1mm neoprene top
Crowds by Season

Generally empty or very low crowds on weekdays; slightly more locals on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

December to February typically sees the highest rainfall; the region is within the Philippine typhoon belt with a risk window from June to December.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Emerging option during the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season, with side-onshore winds that can suit freeriding along the coast.

Freeride
WingfoilingSkill Level
Foil Friendly
Limited
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Regular beach-break with both right and left waves; best when swell/wind line up during the North Pacific swell period.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
NE, E
Optimal Tide
Mid, High — Also described as working across rising and falling tides.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
During the Northeast Monsoon, conditions can get choppy; early mornings are often cleaner.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate — Fun power.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Typically under 50 meters.
Ride Length Details
Rides generally under 50 meters; commonly described as short rides.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tandag in the full forecast view.

Tandag wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
1–8 ktsGusts 17 kts
Direction
NNE32°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 308 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.1 m8s period
Temperature
25–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Tandag is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.7–1.1 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Rocks
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated private water-sports rescue service; safety depends on local responders/Coast Guard coverage.

Rules of the spot

Local Tips
  • For surfing, aim for the early morning before the wind picks up.
  • The spot can be accessed directly from the national road.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Tandag
Nearest Town
Tandag
Parking
Limited parking along the road or near local beach resorts.
Access
Accessible from the national road that runs along the coastline.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Tagalog, Bisaya
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several budget guesthouses and hotels are available in Tandag City.
Food & Drink
Local eateries and markets are available within the city center.
Equipment Rental:
Basic surfboard rentals are available via local groups; specialized kitesurfing/wingfoiling gear must be brought by the traveler.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: February and March offer a strong balance of wind for sports and decreasing rainfall.
Lininggao Island2 km

A limestone island accessible by boat featuring caves and views of the Tandag coastline.

Island Hoppingvaries

Boat trips to nearby islets and sandbars along the Surigao del Sur coast.

Ocean View Restaurants1 km

Local eateries serving fresh seafood and Filipino cuisine along the boulevard.

Mabua Beach Park3 km

A popular local beach area for picnics and swimming during low tide.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Tandag?

The best overall months at Tandag are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Tandag?

Tandag works with NE, ENE winds.

What skill level is Tandag suitable for?

Tandag suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner.